Six of the 12 up-armoured Landcruiser vehicles gifted by Australia to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) late last year are now being used in a driver training program at Murray Barracks and the Goldie River Training Depot outside of Port Moresby city.

The course is designed to equip PNGDF personnel from across the country with the skills to operate the vehicles, strengthening the force’s protected mobility capability.

Eight PNGDF members have qualified as driving instructors and are now delivering training to participants, with additional support from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP).

Corporal Maria Andaku, who has served for 12 years in the Force Support Battalion (FSB), is among the instructors. She is training transport personnel in technical operation, maintenance and the safe handling of the up-armoured vehicles for use in exercises and operations.

“We are training them to be qualified to handle the up-armoured vehicle. It’s a big change to the course and we are grateful to the ADF for the vehicles,” she said.

Corporal Petra Kimbis, also from the FSB with 14 years of service, is a participant in the course. She is the only female among 15 men in her training group.

“As a female behind the wheel of an armoured vehicle, I am grateful. It’s challenging, but it’s interesting and I’m really enjoying the course,” she said.

Australian Defence Force Lance Corporal Emily Murphy, a tactical training instructor assisting in the program, said she values the opportunity to work alongside PNGDF members and learn from them, particularly Corporals Andaku and Kimbis.

The joint training highlights the important role of women as both leaders and learners within the PNGDF and ADF, while strengthening the enduring defence partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.